{"id":5245,"date":"2026-05-07T07:08:34","date_gmt":"2026-05-07T11:08:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/toronto.name\/?p=5245"},"modified":"2026-05-07T07:17:04","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T11:17:04","slug":"torontos-wooden-skyscrapers-or-how-mass-timber-technology-is-bringing-nature-back-to-the-concrete-jungle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/eternal-5245-torontos-wooden-skyscrapers-or-how-mass-timber-technology-is-bringing-nature-back-to-the-concrete-jungle","title":{"rendered":"Toronto\u2019s wooden skyscrapers, or how Mass Timber technology is bringing nature back to the concrete jungle"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>When we hear the phrase \u201cwooden house\u201d, we usually picture a cozy cabin in the woods or a classic suburban cottage. Hardly anyone imagines a 10- or 20-storey office tower in the heart of Toronto. However, architectural trends and construction technologies are taking a sharp turn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Toronto, which for a long time was built exclusively with concrete, steel and glass, is now experiencing a true renaissance of wooden architecture. Mass Timber technology allows us to build safe, durable, and incredibly eco-friendly high-rises. We are exploring how Canadian developments are bringing nature back to the streets of a big city with <a href=\"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\">toronto.name<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69ff6cff0b674\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-69ff6cff0b674\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/eternal-5245-torontos-wooden-skyscrapers-or-how-mass-timber-technology-is-bringing-nature-back-to-the-concrete-jungle\/#Back_to_the_roots\" >Back to the roots<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/eternal-5245-torontos-wooden-skyscrapers-or-how-mass-timber-technology-is-bringing-nature-back-to-the-concrete-jungle\/#What_is_Mass_Timber_technology\" >What is Mass Timber technology?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/eternal-5245-torontos-wooden-skyscrapers-or-how-mass-timber-technology-is-bringing-nature-back-to-the-concrete-jungle\/#Building_%E2%80%9Cwooden_Legos%E2%80%9D\" >Building \u201cwooden Legos\u201d<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/eternal-5245-torontos-wooden-skyscrapers-or-how-mass-timber-technology-is-bringing-nature-back-to-the-concrete-jungle\/#Buildings_that_breathe\" >Buildings that breathe<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/eternal-5245-torontos-wooden-skyscrapers-or-how-mass-timber-technology-is-bringing-nature-back-to-the-concrete-jungle\/#Flagships_of_Torontos_wooden_fleet\" >Flagships of Toronto&#8217;s wooden fleet<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/eternal-5245-torontos-wooden-skyscrapers-or-how-mass-timber-technology-is-bringing-nature-back-to-the-concrete-jungle\/#T3_Bayside\" >T3 Bayside<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/eternal-5245-torontos-wooden-skyscrapers-or-how-mass-timber-technology-is-bringing-nature-back-to-the-concrete-jungle\/#Limberlost_Place\" >Limberlost Place<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/eternal-5245-torontos-wooden-skyscrapers-or-how-mass-timber-technology-is-bringing-nature-back-to-the-concrete-jungle\/#Academic_Wood_Tower\" >Academic Wood Tower<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/eternal-5245-torontos-wooden-skyscrapers-or-how-mass-timber-technology-is-bringing-nature-back-to-the-concrete-jungle\/#191-199_College_Street\" >191-199 College Street<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/eternal-5245-torontos-wooden-skyscrapers-or-how-mass-timber-technology-is-bringing-nature-back-to-the-concrete-jungle\/#Myths_and_reality_fires_and_deforestation\" >Myths and reality: fires and deforestation<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/eternal-5245-torontos-wooden-skyscrapers-or-how-mass-timber-technology-is-bringing-nature-back-to-the-concrete-jungle\/#Myth_1_Fire_hazard\" >Myth 1: Fire hazard<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/eternal-5245-torontos-wooden-skyscrapers-or-how-mass-timber-technology-is-bringing-nature-back-to-the-concrete-jungle\/#Myth_2_Deforestation\" >Myth 2: Deforestation<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/eternal-5245-torontos-wooden-skyscrapers-or-how-mass-timber-technology-is-bringing-nature-back-to-the-concrete-jungle\/#Comparison_table_traditional_construction_vs_Mass_Timber\" >Comparison table: traditional construction vs Mass Timber<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/eternal-5245-torontos-wooden-skyscrapers-or-how-mass-timber-technology-is-bringing-nature-back-to-the-concrete-jungle\/#Techno-optimism_vs_reality\" >Techno-optimism vs reality<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/eternal-5245-torontos-wooden-skyscrapers-or-how-mass-timber-technology-is-bringing-nature-back-to-the-concrete-jungle\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Back_to_the_roots\"><\/span>Back to the roots<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For Toronto, wood is not a new idea, but a well-forgotten old one. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the city was actively built using &#8220;mill construction&#8221;. Neighbourhoods like Spadina Avenue are still adorned with majestic \u201cbrick and beam\u201d buildings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These historic structures, like the Empire Clothing Factory, built in 1923, have proven to be surprisingly resilient. They have survived a century, easily adapting to the needs of modern offices, art galleries and lofts. Why are they so durable? The answer lies in the \u201cThree Ls\u201d formula: Long life, Loose fit and Low environmental impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today\u2019s wooden skyscrapers are the direct descendants of those industrial buildings, but armed with the innovative technologies of the 21st century.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1893\" height=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-6.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5205\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-6.jpeg 1893w, https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-6-277x300.jpeg 277w, https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-6-768x831.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-6-1420x1536.jpeg 1420w, https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-6-696x753.jpeg 696w, https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-6-1068x1155.jpeg 1068w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1893px) 100vw, 1893px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_Mass_Timber_technology\"><\/span>What is Mass Timber technology?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When we talk about wooden skyscrapers, we are not talking about ordinary 2x4s. Mass Timber is a high-tech product of engineering, the most popular type of which is CLT (Cross-Laminated Timber). Simply put, these are huge panels and beams created by gluing layers of wood together under pressure. They are as strong as steel but much lighter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Building_%E2%80%9Cwooden_Legos%E2%80%9D\"><\/span>Building \u201cwooden Legos\u201d<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The construction of modern wooden structures is more like assembling a Lego set than a classic building process. Most of the elements are manufactured in factories using <a href=\"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/eternal-5198-the-future-is-on-the-shore-how-cleanup-robots-are-saving-lake-ontario\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/eternal-5198-the-future-is-on-the-shore-how-cleanup-robots-are-saving-lake-ontario\">robots<\/a> and AI, and then delivered to the site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, the project at 230 Royal York Road by Intelligent City uses industrial robots to create prefabricated modules. This allows to:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reduce construction time by 3-4 months.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reduce noise and the amount of <a href=\"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/eternal-3768-waste-recycling-and-disposal-in-toronto\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/eternal-3768-waste-recycling-and-disposal-in-toronto\">garbage<\/a> on the site (which is critical for densely populated Toronto).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improve precision: errors are measured in millimetres, whereas in concrete they can reach centimetres.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"630\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-7.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5208\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-7.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-7-300x158.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-7-768x403.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-7-696x365.jpeg 696w, https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-7-1068x561.jpeg 1068w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>To monitor the condition of the wood in the structure, IoT sensors are used, which send real-time moisture level alerts to engineers. If the wood becomes too wet or dries out too quickly, engineers can respond instantly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Buildings_that_breathe\"><\/span>Buildings that breathe<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Traditional construction is one of the biggest polluters on the planet: concrete and steel production accounts for nearly 15% of global CO2 emissions. Wood, however, acts as a natural \u201cantidote\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>First, it\u2019s about carbon storage. Trees absorb carbon as they grow. When we use wood in a building, we \u201clock\u201d this carbon inside the walls for decades. One cubic metre of wood holds almost a tonne of CO2. Building with Mass Timber essentially turns the city into a giant carbon sink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Secondly, it\u2019s about energy efficiency. Manufacturing and installing wooden structures requires 50% less energy than reinforced concrete. Moreover, such buildings act as a natural thermostat, retaining heat better in winter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But there is also a psychological aspect \u2013 biophilia. It has been proven that being surrounded by natural wood reduces <a href=\"https:\/\/torontonka.com\/en\/eternal\/top-15-stress-relief-practices-for-toronto-women\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/torontonka.com\/en\/eternal\/top-15-stress-relief-practices-for-toronto-women\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">stress<\/a> levels, improves mood and boosts productivity. People feel calmer in Mass Timber offices than in cold concrete boxes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"853\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-8.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5211\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-8.jpeg 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-8-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-8-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-8-696x464.jpeg 696w, https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-8-1068x712.jpeg 1068w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Flagships_of_Torontos_wooden_fleet\"><\/span>Flagships of Toronto&#8217;s wooden fleet<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, Toronto is a real showcase for ambitious timber projects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"T3_Bayside\"><\/span>T3 Bayside<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The name T3 stands for Timber, Talent, Technology. This 10-storey building in East Bayfront became one of the first large-scale examples of how wood is replacing concrete in business districts. Using timber here avoided 10,000 tonnes of carbon emissions \u2013 the equivalent of taking 2,700 cars off the road for a year. Even Waterfront Toronto believed in this project so much that they moved their head office here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"youtube-embed\" data-video_id=\"kEFJFRPQpaw\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Toronto&#039;s Tallest Mass Timber Office | T3 Sterling Road\" width=\"696\" height=\"392\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/kEFJFRPQpaw?feature=oembed&#038;enablejsapi=1\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe><\/div>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Limberlost_Place\"><\/span>Limberlost Place<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This <a href=\"https:\/\/toronto1.one\/en\/eternal\/george-brown-college-of-applied-arts-and-technology-history-and-development-3929\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/toronto1.one\/en\/eternal\/george-brown-college-of-applied-arts-and-technology-history-and-development-3929\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">George Brown College<\/a> building is a model of \u201cclean architecture\u201d. It is Ontario\u2019s first large net-zero carbon institutional building. In addition to the wooden frame, complex engineering solutions were implemented here: \u201csolar chimneys\u201d for natural ventilation and a <a href=\"https:\/\/toronto-future.com\/en\/eternal-13507-cold-from-the-depths-how-lake-ontarios-deep-lake-water-cooling-system-powers-torontos-skyscrapers\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/toronto-future.com\/en\/eternal-13507-cold-from-the-depths-how-lake-ontarios-deep-lake-water-cooling-system-powers-torontos-skyscrapers\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">cooling system using water from Lake Ontario<\/a>. The project was so compelling that it forced the government to revise Canada&#8217;s building codes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"895\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-9.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5214\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-9.jpeg 1280w, https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-9-300x210.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-9-768x537.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-9-696x487.jpeg 696w, https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-9-1068x747.jpeg 1068w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Academic_Wood_Tower\"><\/span>Academic Wood Tower<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The <a href=\"https:\/\/toronto-future.com\/en\/eternal-13445-university-of-toronto-an-institution-for-quality-it-education\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/toronto-future.com\/en\/eternal-13445-university-of-toronto-an-institution-for-quality-it-education\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">University of Toronto<\/a> (U of T) is building a 14-storey tower that demonstrates the art of compromise. It is a hybrid structure: a steel frame provides rigidity, while Mass Timber ensures lightness and sustainability. This is an ideal solution for dense downtown development, where it is important to minimize the load on the soil and foundation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1140\" height=\"760\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-10.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5217\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-10.jpeg 1140w, https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-10-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-10-768x512.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-10-696x464.jpeg 696w, https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-10-1068x712.jpeg 1068w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1140px) 100vw, 1140px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"191-199_College_Street\"><\/span>191-199 College Street<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>And this project by Icon Architects is aiming for global leadership. The 31-storey residential tower is planned to reach 90 metres, setting an absolute height record for wooden construction in North America. Moreover, the entire facade of the building will be turned into a giant solar panel, making the skyscraper completely energy independent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1366\" height=\"2048\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-11.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-5220\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-11.jpeg 1366w, https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-11-200x300.jpeg 200w, https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-11-768x1151.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-11-1025x1536.jpeg 1025w, https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-11-696x1043.jpeg 696w, https:\/\/cdn.toronto.name\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/36\/2026\/05\/image-11-1068x1601.jpeg 1068w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1366px) 100vw, 1366px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Myths_and_reality_fires_and_deforestation\"><\/span>Myths and reality: fires and deforestation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Many readers have logical questions: \u201cWon\u2019t a wooden skyscraper burn like a match?\u201d and \u201cAre we going to cut down all of Canada\u2019s forests for these buildings?\u201d. Toronto\u2019s developers and architects have clear answers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Myth_1_Fire_hazard\"><\/span>Myth 1: Fire hazard<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>It sounds paradoxical, but large masses of compressed wood are extremely fire-resistant. When such a panel is exposed to fire, its outer layer chars. This char layer becomes a natural protective barrier that prevents oxygen and heat from getting inside. In tests, Mass Timber beams withstood open flames longer than steel structures, which simply melt and lose their strength under high temperatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Myth_2_Deforestation\"><\/span>Myth 2: Deforestation<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>For Mass Timber technology in Ontario, wood is sourced exclusively from certified sustainably managed forests. There is a strict rule: for every tree cut down, several new ones are planted, ensuring sustainable forest management. Since young trees absorb carbon much more actively than old ones, this cycle only improves the health of Canadian forests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Comparison_table_traditional_construction_vs_Mass_Timber\"><\/span>Comparison table: traditional construction vs Mass Timber<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><tbody><tr><td>Criteria<\/td><td>Reinforced concrete and steel<\/td><td>Mass Timber<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Carbon footprint<\/td><td>High CO2 emissions during production<\/td><td>CO2 storage inside the material<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Structure weight<\/td><td>Very heavy (requires massive foundation)<\/td><td>Light (savings on underground works)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Installation speed<\/td><td>Slow (time needed for concrete to cure)<\/td><td>Very fast (assembly of prefabricated blocks)<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Indoor atmosphere<\/td><td>&#8220;Cold&#8221; acoustics, artificial materials<\/td><td>Natural humidity, smell of the forest, coziness<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Techno-optimism_vs_reality\"><\/span>Techno-optimism vs reality<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Of course, it\u2019s not all that simple. Wood requires special treatment during construction (it needs to be protected from the rain until the roof is installed). Furthermore, the cost of materials can be higher than concrete, although this is offset by the speed of installation and lower foundation costs (wood is lighter!).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The main challenge today is legislation. Although Ontario&#8217;s building codes now permit up to 12 storeys, architects are pushing for more. Every new wooden skyscraper in Toronto is a battle for new standards of safety and sustainability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Toronto\u2019s wooden skyscrapers are not just a trendy architectural movement. It\u2019s a return to the smart use of resources. The city, once choking on industrial smog, is now choosing the path of an \u201curban forest\u201d.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These buildings teach us that a skyscraper can be not only a symbol of power and capital, but also a symbol of care for the planet. And the next time you see a tower in Toronto that smells of fresh pine and radiates the warmth of wood, know that you are looking into a future that has finally learned to live in harmony with nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fun fact: if you put all the wooden beams used to build the Academic Wood Tower at U of T in a single line, they would stretch from Toronto all the way to Montreal!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When we hear the phrase \u201cwooden house\u201d, we usually picture a cozy cabin in the woods or a classic suburban cottage. Hardly anyone imagines a 10- or 20-storey office tower in the heart of Toronto. However, architectural trends and construction technologies are taking a sharp turn. Toronto, which for a long time was built exclusively [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":456,"featured_media":5203,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[338],"tags":[3217,3219,1149,3226,3214,3220,1999,2934,3216,3221,3182,3225,3223,3215,2844,1211,3222,3224,3218],"motype":[325],"moformat":[22],"moimportance":[30,33],"class_list":{"0":"post-5245","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-developments","8":"tag-architecture","9":"tag-biophilia","10":"tag-canada","11":"tag-clt-3","12":"tag-construction","13":"tag-eco-construction","14":"tag-ecology","15":"tag-energy-efficiency","16":"tag-future-of-cities","17":"tag-green-technologies","18":"tag-innovations","19":"tag-mass-timber-3","20":"tag-massive-timber","21":"tag-modern-architecture","22":"tag-sustainable-development","23":"tag-toronto-3","24":"tag-toronto-real-estate","25":"tag-urbanism","26":"tag-wooden-skyscrapers","27":"motype-eternal","28":"moformat-longrid-korotka","29":"moimportance-golovna-novyna","30":"moimportance-retranslyacziya-v-agregatory"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5245","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/456"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5245"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5245\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5247,"href":"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5245\/revisions\/5247"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/5203"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5245"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5245"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5245"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=5245"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=5245"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/toronto.name\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=5245"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}